History
The Curtain House, located in the heart of Shoreditch, London, is an architectural gem with a rich history. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building was designed by Richard Crease Harrison & Son as a warehouse and showroom. Its Victorian engineering marvels and heritage features have made it one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Shoreditch.
For over a century, Curtain House has stood as a symbol of engineering excellence. The building was extended in 1887, and throughout its history, it has been a focal point for the local community, known for its distinctive design and cultural relevance. As time passed, the building’s original features, although worn, remained an essential part of its identity.
Today, Curtain House is undergoing a significant refurbishment to transform the building into modern, flexible Cat A and B workspace. This ambitious project aims to preserve its heritage while introducing state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
Project Brief
RED Construction Group has appointed us to design, manufacture, and install over 220 m² of bespoke rooflights and specialist glazing for the Curtain House renovation. This scope of work includes a variety of custom solutions to improve both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the building while adhering to the architectural integrity and modern requirements of the refurbishment.
Our design will feature bespoke glass boxes for the new roof terrace, fixed rooflights to the main roof, and self-supporting pyramidal lanterns to replace the existing low-level rooflights. Additionally, we are incorporating dual-pitch and multi-section rooflights over office space and the internal lightwell. Each of these elements will be tailored to suit both the existing and new openings in the building.
In line with our commitment to safety and sustainability, all our rooflights are designed to meet CWCT Class 1 or Class 2 non-fragility standards, ensuring that they provide a safe and durable solution for the building. These rooflights will allow daylight to filter through to the top floor offices and the newly introduced internal mezzanine, creating a bright and inviting workspace.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with the RED Construction team and the project’s architect, Anomaly, on this exciting refurbishment. With a shared focus on sustainable practices, the project aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and an EPC A rating, contributing to a greener future for the Curtain House.
The project is due for completion late 2025 and on re-opening the building will be renamed The Harrison, in memory of the original designer.
